Concussions are always going to be an issue in the NHL. This week, though, they're a bigger issue than usual.

On Monday alone, the Montreal Canadiens confirmed that forward Rene Bourque has one, and "all signs" point to the same for Blue Jackets forward Artem Anisimov, according to the Blue Jackets. Add those guys to the 23 out, as of Monday, with concussions or "upper-body injuries," as noted by CBS Sports' Chris Peters.

That doesn't take into account the players who have already returned, like Colorado's Gabriel Landeskog, or guys like Ryan McDonagh, who was non-specifically injured by Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty on Saturday. Further complicating matters is the fact that the NHL doesn't force its teams to publicly acknowledge brain injuries.

“There is transparency in relation to the reporting of concussions internally,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Bergen Record via email. “The appropriate people both at the League and the PA (along with our medical professionals) have access to all the information they need to adequately analyze causes and trends, as well as appropriate management standards for head injuries.”

As for the guys we're all but certain about—10 in the past 12 days, including Bourque, according to TSN.ca's Bob McKenzie—Rangers forward Rick Nash sidestepped the question, and Evgeni Malkin has yet to resume physical activity.

According to a CBC.ca count, 88 players missed a total of 1,697 man games last season because of brain injuries. That's one reason to be thankful for a shortened schedule.